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New Horizons: Ritz-Carlton Prepares to Launch Yacht Collection

This story originally appeared in the July/August 2018 issue of Elite Traveler.

The highly anticipated new venture from Ritz-Carlton is not, as you might expect, a new hotel, but a Yacht Collection — making the hotel chain the first to host guests both on land and at sea. The first of three chic cruising vessels will embark on its maiden voyage in February 2020. Each boat accommodates just 298 passengers in its terraced luxury suites, which include two 1,700-sq-ft penthouse suites with private whirlpool, and loft suites perfect for entertaining.

Designed in a style that wouldn’t look out of place in Port de Saint-Tropez, the ships embody a yachting ethos as opposed to a cruise liner atmosphere, explains managing director Douglas Prothero: “Marina-style platforms will provide direct access to the water, enabling you to easily enjoy activities such as paddleboarding. Our yachts will also be among the smallest ultra-luxury vessels in the market, allowing greater exploration by docking at smaller ports such as Portofino, Mykonos, St Barths and Cartagena.”

The first set of itineraries has just been announced, along with each voyage’s culturally immersive shore excursions. You’ll be spoiled for choice with routes including a Mediterranean round-trip from Rome via Monte Carlo, Portofino and Livorno, with a VIP Monaco Grand Prix race experience along the way, and a voyage around Iceland and the Arctic Circle.